WEDNESDAY MARCH 3, 2021 www.villanovan.com @thevillanovan
STUDENT-RUN SINCE 1916
VOLUME 112 | ISSUE 5
Preventing Commencement to be Students Only Another Pandemic Tina Aron Staff Writer
As we approach the one-year anniversary of March 13th, or in other words, the day life ended as we know it, the only thing on peoples’ minds is the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, what is scarier is the fact that there is a great chance that we may experience another pandemic in our lifetime, especially if we do not heed the warnings and lessons learned from our current situation. In a December 2017 study, it was estimated that 75% of emerging infectious diseases originate in wildlife, also known as zoonotic diseases. As humans continue to encroach on wildlife habitats, the line between civilization and the natural world is becoming dangerously blurred. Deforestation, urbanization, mining and the general invasion of humans into the natural world increase the frequency that we interact with disease-carrying wildlife. Without this encroachment, we otherwise would not be coming into contact with these animals, eliminating the risk of catching a disease from them. Not only are we encroaching on the natural world, but we are also bringing wild animals into closer contact with us through exotic pets, wet markets and factory farming. In wet markets that are not properly set up and combine different animals, it gives way for the spread of zoonotic diseases that can potentially lead to another pandemic. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, research involving zoonotic diseases and the study of pathogens has obviously spiked as it is extremely necessary and effective. However, what happens when this pandemic is over? There has been an astronomical amount of
The most recent commencement ceremony at Villanova University was in 2019, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courtesy of Villanova University
Cate McCusker Co-Editor-in-Chief
On Tuesday morning, members of Villanova’s 2021 graduating class and their families received an email stating that graduation will be held in-person, but only for Villanova students. Parents and other guests will not be allowed. “I am pleased to announce that, with yesterday’s announcement from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania regarding outdoor events, we plan to hold in-person Commencement activities for our graduating seniors,”
University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, OSA, Ph. D. wrote in the email. “However, in order to comply with current health and safety protocols and ensure that the experience for our graduates remains the priority, we have made the difficult decision not to have guests in attendance,” Donohue said. On Monday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf released a press release regarding a revision of the mitigation order on gatherings. The press release stated that the maximum occupancy for outdoor events has
been revised to allow 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Donohue promised that there would be a fully virtual option for those students who choose not to attend in person. He also assured students that there would be virtual components for family and friends. “I understand that this is an important moment in the lives of not only our graduates, but their families and friends as well, so we are committed to finding creative and innovative ways to involve everyone in the celebration,” Donohue said.
Before concluding, Donohue reminded students that they must continue to follow the Caritas Commitment and put Community First in order to ensure an in person graduation experience. “Our ability to move forward with these plans rests in your hands,” Donohue said. “I want you to have this moment with your classmates, and I know it’s possible if we all work together.” Commencement Weekend is scheduled for Thursday, May 13, through Saturday, May 15. There are currently 72 days until graduation.
Men’s Basketball Preview vs. Creighton On Wednesday, March 3, Villanova will return to the Finn for its last time this campaign, looking to maintain its spotless record at home against Big East rival Creighton. The powerhouses boast two of the most high-powered offenses in the country and a win for Villanova would seal a piece of the Big East regular-season championship, the ‘Cats seventh in eight years.
The Wildcats will be bidding farewell to seniors Kevin Hoehn, Dhamir Cosby-Roundtree, Jermaine Samuels and Cousy award finalist Collin Gillespie. The latter three veterans began at Villanova on the legendary 2017-2018 team, traveling to San Antonio to deliver Villanova its third-ever National Championship. Wide-eyed freshmen during the season, the three trained as apprentices under the master guidance of Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges and the rest of a great team. Four years on from
that legendary season, the trio has grown into the leaders. For sophomore Jeremiah Robinson-Earl, this game may be the last time he plays in a Villanova home game. The former top-20 recruit leads
Aequitas Task Force Outlines “Antiracist” Goals p. 3
Virtual Involvement Fair Showcases Student Organizations p. 3
The Pandemic’s Impact on Teenage Mental Health p. 6
Raising PA’s Minimum Wage Will Benefit Philly Businesses p. 7
Villanova Students Share Vaccination Experiences p. 8
‘The Bachelor’ Racism Controversy p. 8
Prospective Students Attend 2021 Candidate’s Day p. 10
Sophomore Thomas Newton Releases New Single p. 10
Student Business Feature: Keto Kind by Enrique Moel p. 11
Women’s Lacrosse Wraps Up First Week of Play p. 15
Continued on p. 5
Noah Swan
Staff Writer
the ‘Cats in scoring and could declare for the 2021 NBA Draft, following in the footsteps of seven other Wildcats drafted since 2016. Although he has spent less time in west Philadelphia than Continued on p. 13
Villanova faces Big East rival Creighton on March 3. Courtesy of Getty Images, Mitchell Leff